Before entering Moscow from St. Petersburg, we are met by the Moscow Compound of the Transfiguration of the Valaam Monastery. You can visit the monastery as part of an organized tour. During your tour there is the opportunity to choose any of the presented programs.
History of the Valaam Monastery
The first mention of the beginning of the construction of the monastery dates back to 1900. It was during this period, as described in archival documents, that the foundation of the Valaam monastery began. In the same period, construction was completed.
A year later, the Moscow Metropolitan Cathedral was consecrated. They consecrated it in honor of the Valaam miracle workers Sergius and German. Throughout the history of the monastery, the construction did not stop. Reconstruction and expansion of buildings were constantly carried out.
Benefactors
One of the often mentioned benefactors of the temple is G. Kournikov.
At one time he was a famous merchant who was engaged in the construction of houses and their sale. Most of his income went to charity, not only to the Moscow Compound of the Valaam Monastery, but also to the poor and needy families.
In parallel, he held the post of headman in the church in the Tver-Yamskaya settlement. The temple was destroyed, like many others in the thirties of the last century.
The benefactor was married to the famous merchant of the time, who participated in charity work with her husband. In addition to her, Kournikov was helped by his brother Philip, with whom they donated not only a large amount of money to the temple, but also the icon of the Mother of God of Jerusalem. The icon is still kept in one of the temples of the monastery.
Charter of the monastery
Life in the monastery passed in strict rules. The order of worship was determined by Father Superior Gabriel until 1910.
The spiritual and educational activities of the Moscow Metochion of the Valaam Monastery were conducted actively throughout its existence. And to this day, these traditions remain unchanged. Much attention is paid to the spiritual and moral education of all residents of the compound.
For more than a hundred years of its existence, the monastery has acquired its educational structure. Here you can find Sunday schools for children. For the older generation, there are theological lectures. Not so long ago, a cinema was opened on the territory of the monastery.
Much attention is paid to the communication of educators with parishioners. This is ongoing. Which, undoubtedly, brings together the inhabitants of the monastery and its parishioners.
On certain days, famous priests from other parishes and teachers of theological schools are invited to give lectures in churches.
Architectural solutions
But initially, the project, which was under construction, was developed by the famous architect Roop A.N. The building adorned the entrance to Moscow.
The architecture of the entire building skillfully combines the gray tones of the granite foundation with dark red polished columns. All window sills in the chapel and temple were made of marble and granite.
Icons for the iconostasis on order were painted by the famous artist V.P. Guryanov
The iconostasis of the main temple was made on Valaam. Thanks to the gilded carving, he looked majestic. In addition to the handmade icons and the iconostasis in the church, one could see other necessary utensils made of silver, which for the most part were donated by parishioners.
In the 20s of the last century, most of the buildings of the monastery were destroyed. The courtyard was completely disfigured. The belfry was broken, and the cross was removed and sent for re-melting.
The windows in many buildings were walled up. Most of the inhabitants of the monastery were sent for household work.
After a couple of years, all silver utensils were seized as donations to the starving. Despite the struggle of all those who care, the first floor of the main temple was reserved for "social women." In addition to all this inconvenience to the brethren of the monastery, clashes arose with representatives of the communist parties, which negatively affected the ministries and the life of the church as a whole.
After the temple was completely closed, polyclinics were placed on its territory. And during the Second World War, a military hospital settled here, in which many unique operations were performed to save the life of seriously wounded.
The main building on the courtyard was completely disfigured and flooded with concrete. The dome is completely crammed with logs.
Persecution and devastation
Despite all the persecution, the brethren continued to faithfully and faithfully serve the Lord.
Several times the Bolsheviks with their unexpected seizures tried to finally close the temple, but all their attempts did not end in anything.
The first time the military came to the monastery unexpectedly at night and began to search in attempts to find prohibited items. But, finding nothing, they were forced to leave.
The second attempt was made on the feast of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. In the morning they broke in with intentions to close the temple and evict the monks. But on this day in the Moscow courtyard of the Valaam Monastery there were a large number of parishioners, which prevented the Bolsheviks from realizing their plan.
Some of the ministers still could not stand it and left for Finland, but those who remained unquestioningly complied with all the instructions of the current abbot, who actively fought for the monastery and the extension of its activities.
But despite all efforts, the temple in 1926 was finally closed. Those who at that time lived on its territory were partially arrested, partially dispersed.
Temple restoration
By the beginning of the nineties, the premises came into disrepair. Communications were unusable. The authorities raised the question of the demolition of all buildings.
But already in 1993 the temple was transferred to the Moscow Patriarchate. Monastic life began to gradually resume. Parishioners began to visit the temple immediately and took an active part in the renewal of the Moscow courtyard of the Valaam Monastery. Divine services in the central part of the church of St. Sergei and German were held next spring, during Easter.
And by the end of the nineties, for the first time after the restoration, newly-installed bells rang, which testified to the complete restoration of the upper church.
After this, the renewal of the lower temple began. Basically, architects tried to restore all the old paintings and interior. But unfortunately, since the iconostasis was completely destroyed, it was not possible to restore it and had to order a new one.
The first service was already held in 1998. With the blessing of the current Metropolitan, the restored lower church was named after Alexander Nevsky.
On the southern column of the temple was depicted the image of all the miracle workers of Valaam and the patron saints of the church Sergius and Herman.
Moscow Compound of the Valaam Monastery: Schedule of Divine Services
On weekdays, morning service starts at 8 in the morning. Vespers are held from 5 in the evening.
On Sunday and public holidays, the morning liturgy begins at half past seven in the morning. Confession falls at the beginning of the tenth, and already at half past ten the late divine liturgy is held.
Monastery choir
It is believed that music is one of the most abstract forms of art and at the same time carries great energy. It is very important what they sing and how they do it. After all, music conveys the mood of the soul, the state of mind. Therefore, the choir of the Moscow Compound of the Valaam Monastery was formed over several years.
It is very important that during the chant people should not be distracted from prayer.
In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, coupled chants became fashionable due to Western influence. And already at the beginning of the last century, such hymns spread everywhere. And only in some temples did they try to preserve the ancient traditions of chants. The Moscow Compound of the Valaam Monastery was no exception.
And unfortunately, today Valaam has remained one of the few large monasteries on the territory of Russia, where the style of famous tunes has been preserved.
The monastery’s choir works closely with the St. Petersburg Department of Ancient Chants.
Church Church
On the territory of the monastery there is a church shop, in the assortment of which there are various church utensils, icons of various formats, liturgical supplies.
The shop has a separate candle department, where you can not only buy candles of various sizes, but also order prayers, requiems.
If during the tour you get tired, then there is the opportunity in a separate room to eat and drink tea or coffee.
Here you will find a room where you will be invited to relax with young children.
The monastery provides an opportunity for some time to live the life of monks. But this is more likely not a service for tourists, but an opportunity for people who want to take the path of obedience, decide on their decision.
Educational activities today
Enlightenment activity continues to develop in the temple. Sunday school for children continues to operate . Here they tell children about the foundations of faith, instill a love of God, expand the creative horizons of the child. As before, enlightening lectures with parishioners continue at the monastery courtyard. Everyone can come and find answers to questions of interest. It is possible to attend classes for adults. They take place daily, regardless of the day of the week.
Since 2010, educational activities with the blessing of the patriarch have been conducted through the Internet. Various social groups have been created where it is possible to view the lecture of interest online.
Below is a photo of the Moscow courtyard of the Valaam Monastery today.
Moscow Compound of the Valaam Monastery: address
As mentioned above, the monastery is located at the entrance to Moscow. It is located on Second Tverskaya-Yamskaya Street, in the house at number 52.